Meet the Team
The Student Leadership & Involvement team is here to help students navigate leadership and involvement opportunities on campus, while empowering them to reach their full potential. Some members of the team serve as advisors to ASUU Student Leaders, some are focused on serving the Recognized Student Organization community, and some are dedicated to growing leadership development programs. The entire team works together to provide a holistic experience for students engaging with leadership and involvement at the University of Utah.

Erica Andersen
Associate Dean for Student Engagement & Leadership801-587-9142
eandersen@sa.utah.edu
M, T, Th: On-Campus 8:30am-5:30pm, W: On-Campus 9:00am-6:00pm
F: Remote 8:30am-5:30pm
Erica Andersen
Associate Dean for Student Engagement & LeadershipErica serves as the Associate Dean for Student Engagement & Leadership. She supervises seven professional staff members, advises student leaders, and facilitates leadership development opportunities for students and engagement with student organizations and the campus community. Before starting in our office, she worked for Housing & Residential Education, ASUU (at the University of Utah), and in events management. Erica has a passion for student persistence and the role engagement plays within that process. Erica holds a Master's of Education from the University of Utah in the department of Education, Leadership & Policy, a BA in Communications, and BS in Environmental Studies. In her free time Erica enjoys reading, working out, and exploring the great outdoors through camping, climbing, hiking and skiing.
801-587-9142eandersen@sa.utah.edu
M, T, Th: On-Campus 8:30am-5:30pm, W: On-Campus 9:00am-6:00pm
F: Remote 8:30am-5:30pm
Sierra Canela
Director for Student Governance & LeadershipSierra serves as the Director of Student Governance and Leadership. She oversees the seven professional staff members in the SLI office, advises student leaders, facilitates leadership development opportunities for students, and supports engagement with student organizations and the campus community. Sierra received her MPA from SUU and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy here on campus. Sierra is passionate about supporting historically marginalized identities on campus and promoting inclusive excellence in the ASUU Office and within Student Affairs. Sierra is fluent in American Sign Language and in her free time enjoys running, painting, and traveling to new places.
801-581-6867scanela@sa.utah.edu

Amber Gordon
Associate Director for Student Engagement801-587-7339
agordon@sa.utah.edu
M: Remote
T, W, Th, F: On-Campus 8:30am-5:30pm
Amber Gordon
Associate Director for Student EngagementAmber serves as the Associate Director for Student Engagement. She oversees marketing and communications for SLI and ASUU, in addition to supporting the Presidency and Student Organizations. Before starting on our team, Amber worked in Housing & Residential Education at the U, and at the University of South Florida. She received her Master of Education at the U in the Educational Leadership & Policy program, and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Fort Hays State University. When she's not at work, Amber enjoys rock climbing, cross-stitching, reading, and spending time with her partner, son, and 2 cats.
Schedule a meeting with me!
801-587-7339agordon@sa.utah.edu
M: Remote
T, W, Th, F: On-Campus 8:30am-5:30pm

Sijani Giri
Associate Director for Budget & Finance801-587-7342
sgiri@sa.utah.edu
M, T, W: On-Campus 8:00am-5:00pm
Th, F: Remote 8:00am-5:00pm
Sijani Giri
Associate Director for Budget & FinanceSijani serves as an Associate director of Budget and Finance for Student engagement. She has a diverse background in management, education, healthcare, and team leadership. Sijani has a Master’s in public Administration and Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. Before starting on our team, she has worked as an educator for Salt Lake Community College, practiced in various private clinics as a dental hygienist, and has managed one of the biggest retail stores in Utah. When she is not at work, she loves to hike, go out in the nature, travel and spend time with her two daughters, her fur baby and her partner.
801-587-7342sgiri@sa.utah.edu
M, T, W: On-Campus 8:00am-5:00pm
Th, F: Remote 8:00am-5:00pm
Kelly Pearson
Student Engagement ManagerKelly is the Student Engagement Manager, overseeing our 500+ Registered Student Organizations and Campus Connect software. She previously served as an academic advising coordinator within the College of Engineering at the University of Utah. Kelly has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota, and 17 years working in higher education. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, rollerblading, travelling, and baking.
Schedule a meeting with me!
801-581-2788kpearson@sa.utah.edu

Mike Park
Graduate Assistant for Student Orgs801-585-1100
Mike Park
Graduate Assistant for Student OrgsMike serves as the Graduate Assistant for Student Orgs, managing student org policy, registration and communication. He is currently earning his master’s degree in Educational Leadership & Policy with an emphasis in student affairs. Prior to his time as a graduate student, he worked at the U’s Office for Global Engagement, and briefly at the U Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the University of Utah in 2021. When he’s not at work, Mike enjoys lifting weights, rock climbing and fulfilling his duty as the designated “dad of his friend group.”
801-585-1100
Emmanuel Beugre
Graduate Assistant for Student Engagement & Special InitiativesEmmanuel Beugre
Graduate Assistant for Student Engagement & Special InitiativesKatie Howell
Program CoordinatorKatie is the Program Coordinator for Student Leadership and Involvement. Katie earned her Master of Arts in General Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University Idaho. She is originally from California and enjoys hiking, crafting, and hosting murder mystery parties in her free time.
801-587-7344khowell@sa.utah.edu
M - F : On-Campus 8:00am-5:00pm

Ethan Foley
Student Governance Advisor801-587-7338
efoley@sa.utah.edu
M - F: On Campus 9:00am - 6:00pm
Ethan Foley
Student Governance AdvisorEthan serves as the Student Governance Advisor for ASUU, and advises the Assembly, Senate, Supreme Court, Attorney General, Academic Affairs Board, Elections Board, and Government Relations Board. As the advisor for the Legislative & Judicial branches of ASUU, Ethan is responsible for managing and maintaining governance operations and coaching students through strategy, implementation, and evaluation of legislation, student-led initiatives, public relations, and communications. Ethan earned his Master of Arts in Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy at the University of Maryland – College Park, and his Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Vermont. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching hockey and college sports, and takes every opportunity to get outside through hiking, camping, cycling, and running.
801-587-7338efoley@sa.utah.edu
M - F: On Campus 9:00am - 6:00pm

Marissa Questereit
Programming Advisor801-587-7341
mquestereit@sa.utah.edu
M, W, Th, F: On-Campus 8:30am-5:30pm, T: On-Campus 8:30am-2:45pm, Remote 4:00pm-6:00pm
Marissa Questereit
Programming AdvisorMarissa is the ASUU Programming Advisor, serving the Campus Events Board, Sustainability Board, Diversity Board, Government Relations Board, and Student Immersion and Outreach. Marissa earned her Master of Education from The University of Utah in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy and earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Weber State University. In her free time Marissa enjoys spending time with her cat Lucy, watching basketball, and listening to music.
801-587-7341mquestereit@sa.utah.edu
M, W, Th, F: On-Campus 8:30am-5:30pm, T: On-Campus 8:30am-2:45pm, Remote 4:00pm-6:00pm